Celebrating Spring Through Seasonal Eating & Gardening
Written by Kenlee Dropping
The signs are all around us — longer days, tiny green shoots, and that unmistakable sense of new beginnings. Spring is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity to freshen up our routines, get outside, and reconnect with the food we eat.
Why is Spring the Perfect Season to Start a Garden?
There’s a reason gardeners wait all winter for this moment. Spring offers longer days, milder weather, and soil that's just waking up — all the ingredients for a thriving garden. But it’s not just about plants. Gardening can be a daily reset, a way to slow down and soak in the moment. It’s also great for our mental health, studies show it can lower anxiety and lift our moods. Plus, for kids, it’s a natural way to learn responsibility, patience, and how food gets to the table.
If you’re new to gardening, start with spring crops that are quick-growing, low-maintenance, and fun to harvest. Such as lettuce, radishes, carrots, snap peas, strawberries, and herbs like dill, parsley, cilantro, mint, or chives.
Not everyone has space for a garden bed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t grow your own food. Container gardening is perfect for patios, balconies, and windowsills. Great container-friendly crops include cherry/grape tomatoes, strawberries, leafy greens, microgreens, and herbs. You can also get creative with your containers by using up-cycled tins or mason jars, hanging baskets, wall-mounted planters, or by planting in window boxes with drip trays.
🌱 Kid Bonus: Turn it into an art project! Let kids paint their own pots and name their plants.
What’s in Season Right Now?
Whether your produce comes from your own garden, a local farmers market, or the grocery store, eating what’s in season brings out the best in every bite. Seasonal foods are often harvested closer to home, which means they spend less time in transit and more time developing flavor. It’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy fresher, more delicious meals — all while supporting local food systems.
Foodwise’s seasonality charts are a helpful resource for exploring which fruits, vegetables, flowers, and even seafood are fresh and available during each season in the San Francisco Bay Area. Simply select the season you’re in, then click on any item to learn more about it — including fun facts and recipe ideas to bring it to life in your kitchen.
If you live outside of Northern California, keep in mind that seasonal availability can vary depending on your local climate and region. Always check with your local farmers market or extension service for the most accurate info in your area. Here are some of our favorite examples of springtime produce available across most regions that are in season right now:
Easy Family-Friendly Recipes
Cooking together is more than just meal prep — it’s a sensory experience, a learning opportunity, and a celebration of what’s in season.
Spring Veggie & Dip Platter
Slice up spring veggies like snap peas, carrots, radishes, etc. Serve with a green goddess dip, Harissa-roasted carrot and white bean dip, or with a spring pea pestoCarrot Tres Leches Cake (recipe)
A moist, lightly spiced twist on a traditional favorite. This dessert brings together the cozy charm of carrot cake with the creamy decadence of tres leches — because why choose one when you can have both? It’s the perfect sweet surprise to celebrate spring in a fun, flavorful way.
Why Seasonal Eating Matters – and How to Get Started
Seasonal eating isn’t just a passing trend — it’s a mindful practice with meaningful benefits. Here’s how eating with the seasons makes a difference:
Connects you with your food and community by encouraging awareness of what’s grown locally and when.
Supports sustainability by reducing the need for long-distance transport and excess packaging.
Boosts flavor and freshness since seasonal produce is often harvested at its peak.
Strengthens local food systems by supporting farmers and regional agriculture.
Promotes food equity through increased access to fresh, culturally relevant foods via community gardens and farmers markets.
Contributes to environmental well-being with a lower carbon footprint and reduced resource use.
A small shift in eating habits can lead to meaningful impacts — for your health, your community, and the planet.
The good news? It’s more accessible than you might think. Many farmers markets accept CalFresh/EBT (also known as SNAP or food stamps) and offer Market Match programs — which can double your benefits when you use them to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. That means more nourishing, seasonal produce for you and your family at no extra cost. Additionally, many farmers markets often host fun, family-friendly events like cooking demos, kids’ tastings, and garden activities — making it a great weekend outing that nourishes both body and spirit. To learn more, check with your local SNAP/CalFresh office or visit MarketMatch.org to find participating markets and benefits near you.
Spring is a beautiful reminder that growth doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful. Whether you're planting a few herbs in a sunny window, trying a new seasonal recipe, or simply enjoying the longer days, this season offers gentle ways to reconnect with food, nature, and the people around you.
Seasonal eating and gardening aren’t about strict rules or doing everything “right.” They’re about exploring what feels good for you and your family — nourishing your body in a way that’s joyful, sustainable, and rooted in your own pace and possibilities. From supporting local food systems to creating small moments of connection in the kitchen or garden, these everyday choices can support overall well-being in approachable, accessible ways. However you choose to engage with spring — whether that’s through a meal, a market visit, or a single seed — it all counts. Start small, stay curious, and celebrate what’s in season for you.
🌱 Don’t forget to share your seasonal eats and garden adventures with us on Instagram using #SpringTimeWithAYAN — we can’t wait to see how your family brings the season to life!
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or related health concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional, such as a doctor, therapist, or registered dietitian, for personalized guidance and support. If you need immediate help, reach out to a medical provider or a crisis support resource in your area.